FRIDAY STIR FRY - What The Heck

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Do you ever wonder 'what the heck'? I'm pretty sure everybody does. Here is my list of 'what the heck' moments I've experienced lately.

• What the heck happened to my life? The older I get the more often I ask this question. The years go by so fast.
• What the heck happened to the good old days? When kids would play outside without fear. When summer evenings were spent under a shade tree snapping green beans. When friends dropped by your home instead of just sending you a message on Facebook? Again the older I get . . . 
• What the heck happened to people being civil to each other?
• What the heck is happening in the world lately? Too much hate and intolerance. 
• What the heck is happening to our political system?
• What the heck happened to kids being respectful of their elders?
• And when the heck did my hair get so grey, my belly get so fat, and my body ache so much? (see #1) 

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Much like that monkey, I find myself rubbing my chin or neck or temples in total confusion almost every day.

How about you? What are your 'what the heck' moments?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Leftovers

First, a picture of my cutie, putooty grandson who I got to visit with this past weekend. Enjoyed four days in Arkansas seeing my son's new home. This picture was taken at the Natural's ball park. They are a double A baseball team affiliated with the Royals. And my team, the Springfield Cardinals, were in town playing them. Of course, I had to go. If he looks hot, it's because it was over 90 degrees at 6 pm. That is the only thing we did outside of the house. Which was fine with me. The rest of the time was spent watching six House of Cards episodes and playing with the baby.

But, I also spent time beta reading a writer friend's new book. For those who don't know, beta reading is one of the first steps you should take after writing a novel. You give it to people you trust, to read and tell you what they think. I usually go a bit further and do some editing suggestions. Just because I like that part of it.

If you're ever asked to beta read here are a few rules:

1. Make sure the book is ready to read. The writer should have done all the editing they could on their own before they ask for your help. You definitely don't want to read a first draft.   
2. Be kind, but honest. Most writers really want to know what needs improvement. If they don't, then they shouldn't be asking for your input.
3. Try to point out things like POV mistakes, inconsistent characters, plot holes, or anything that just doesn't make sense to you as a reader. 
4. Don't make any changes yourself. Use Word comments to make your suggestions. You are not the author.

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and staying cool. But, remember it will be winter before you know it, so don't complain about the heat too much.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I Know, It's Saturday

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Here is my obligatory fireworks picture for the 4th of July. Yippee.

 

I'm not feeling very festive this year. I'm already tired of hearing fireworks going off in the hood and it's just Saturday. I have a feeling I'm becoming that grumpy person that yells "Get off my lawn". Every neighborhood needs one, so why not me? I think I could pull it off quite nicely. I have a loud voice and a menacing look, both considered necessary for the job. I rarely talk to my neighbors so they already know I'm anti-social. Where do I apply?

 

Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. I don't have a friend with a boat inviting me to the lake. Hell, I don't even own a grill to make hot dogs and hamburgers. There won't be a fireworks show at our double A baseball stadium this year because the team is out of town. So what is a person to do?

 

Write this blog post I guess and practice my scowl to use on the neighbor kids.